See my accompanying article on the RV Lifestyle Travel Blog for details and more info about macerators and emptying the RV waste tanks at rvlifestyle.com/rv-macerator-pump/
Great video. One minor suggestion: I always start with dumping a small amount of gray water first to ensure that there are no catastrophic leaks. That way if you do have a leak and you get sprayed, better gray than black. If all is good, then I close the gray, dump the black and finish with the gray.
Absolutely agree. The grey tank contains detergents from dish washing, clothes washing, hand washing, body washing and a little bit of this run down the line first will lubricate the hose interior for the black tank dump. And, if equipped, don't forget to use your back flush system which connects to the park water outlet to spray clean water into the black tank toward the end of its dump cycle. You will know the black tank is empty when the clean discharge from the back flush is all that is seen. The final step should be handled by the grey tank dumping. We always prime each tank with a scoop of "Happy Camper" tank treatment in a gallon of water poured into both the toilet and the sink after completion. If you have a bath-and-a-half floor plan you likely have two black tanks, so don't forget to dump each separately if required, and to prime each when done. In my motorhome I have two grey tanks, one for sinks and shower, and one dedicated to the clothes washer. Again, dump accordingly.
I made one decades ago to empty my rv black tank at my home where the sewer port was distant and uphill. I used the cheapest garbage disposal and some “MacGyver’d” techniques! It worked beautifully!
Another option to the stinky slinky is the Sewer Solution which we have been using for over two years. It uses a 1 inch hose for the drain line, then you attach a separate grey water garden hose which shoots out a 1/8 in high pressure stream to act as a macerator for solids and will actually push up hill 3 feet of elevation. While draining if you do get a plug, just redirect the stream back toward the black tank, and then back down the drain hose. And no parks require the drain hose to be supported off the ground, and the last water pushed through is basically drinking water. Be sure to get one with a 25 ft hose. Thanks for another good video!
Really helpful video, I like how clear and thorough you are. Total newbie here, I’m wondering, if you’re going to flush clean water through the blank tank, after emptying it, why not just use the grey water to flush it, then a final clean water flush? Meaning, empty the blank tank, then run the grey water through the macerator, then a final fresh water only at the end?
I recommend a macerator system modification... My macerator is plumbed on the RV's waste gate valves. Nex, I plumbed two PVC ball valves on the macerator's output. One valve directs the pulverized waste into the black tank upstream of the toilet's downpipe and the other to a 3/4" garden hose which connects to a septic system/sewer, etc. The black tank connection was made using a Uniseal on the bottom of the tank, and a 3/4" PVC pipe with a slit in its side and a plug to direct the flow toward the toilet's down pipe. While boondocking the recirculation will dislodge poo-pyramids without wasting fresh water. After emptying the black tank, I also use a few gallons from the gray tank to flush the black tank as well as leaving a few gallons of gray water in the black tank to prevent poo-pyramids from sticking.
Thank you so much for the video it really helps me out understand how everything works . I do a lot of research on RVs and I’m looking forward to getting one.
Watched this video just now - a year later. 😏 We just bought a new motorhome & have a macerator for the first time. Even though we got a demonstration from the dealer when we picked up the motorhome, it was good to see an expert using the system.
And Mike your right...........it's a great system, been using it with my 07 Monaco since new. I did have to replace the impeller in 09 but that wear was from someone who did not know how to use the system. In addition I flood the black tank before I empty to ensure a thinner substance. Then grey it out and flood again! It's worked flawless ever since. ThomyT
Interesting! I thought based on what you have said on your Sunday live chats that the macerator was in the toilet and worked when you flushed. BTW, waited until after eating to watch! LOL.
The Twin Bed models DO have a macerator toilet. This is because the black tank is not directly under the toilet. In addition to the toilet macerator, Mike also has the macerator that he showed in this video.
Great video with step-by-step process. Question on flushing the black tank when you have a macerator hose. What is the process? Do you leave the black tank valve open and run the macerator while you are flushing the tank? Or do you add water with the black tank valve closed, waiting a couple minutes, then open the valve and turn on the macerator? Your insight is greatly appreciated.
I drain the black tank first, leave the valve open then open the gray tank until it levels equally into the black tank. Then close the grey and pump the black empty, then do it again until the gray tank is empty. I leave a bit of grey water in the black tank to slosh around while driving to clean it with the soapy water. Keeps the smell down in the black tank.
I am placing a braided sleeve over the flex-hose, so the rocks from the dual wheels don't make holes in the section of hose that's underneath the service center area. People have said when they turn on their Macerator, there are little pin-hole leaks from the rocks hitting the hose. The Braided Sleeve is cheap on Amazon.
Maybe I am over cautious but I try not to let the pump run dry. In a noisy environment it can be difficult to hear the sound of the macerator change when it is starting to pump ‘dry’ nearing the end of the cycle. If it is possible I take a look at the hose output to see what is happening near the end of the cycle.
Just bought a 2018 FX so excited it has this and most the options available! How often do you flush your tank? Also heard the cup of dish detergent helps too.:)
Nice video, thanks for posting, definitely going to get a macerator. Do you happen to have a link to that specific hose you use? I think the cap at the end would be more sanitary than the inline ball valve before the 3"/4" connecting fitting
There are some macerators which will couple directly to your RV dump outlet, probably more than these factory-installed pumps. I'm thinkin' of gettin' me one. Tons of YT videos on 'em. They're reasonably priced, too!
Loved the video...just puzzled why you didn't rinse off the end piece that goes into the sewer hole before storing it back in the rig, I would be worried that there would be some latent crud from the connection site. I now look forward to Sunday evenings and the chat time.
Great video on the use of the macerater. The Unity also has a black tank flush. Do you use this? If so do you use it simultaneously when you’re emptying the black tank? Thanks
I love the macerator on our 2016 Zion. QUESTION for you MIKE: I have found that when I screw the end of the hose into the dump tank, or even just hold in down tightly with a foot or a rock, and turn on the pump, the black water does not flow into the tank as quickly as I would need it to. In fact, last week, some liquid leaked out at the uphill end of the hose. If I back the connector out a tad, the waste flows much faster. Imagine if you put a funnel into a bottle and there is a good seal. Then pour liquid into the funnel, the liquid pours into the bottle only as fast as the opening will allow. Air needs to escape the bottle to be replaced by the liquid. Lift the funnel off the neck opening of the bottle and the liquid rushes in. I think the dump tanks are the same. Thoughts?
Thanks for the video! Why do you need to use the macerator for the gray water? I would have thought there would be no solids (unless you are trying to pump uphill). Many thanks.
Hi Mike - we just took delivery of a 2023 Wonder FTB, are are "testing" all the functions before taking our first trip. We used clean water to test the grey and black tanks, and when I used the macerator to empty the tanks, I experienced a leak around the connection from the hose to the end sewer connection. If I look closely at the video, do you have that connection further sealed by black electrical tape and is the bulge there actually a small hose clamp installed as well?
What do you do with the black water fill valve? Do you add water so that you can flush the system or is that just for adding a few gallons to the tank after flushing?
Does the 1.5” Macerator hose come with the a RV that has a macerator, or do they have just a “stinky slinky”? I am getting a new Leisure Van next year. Great video. It answered many questions I had about the macerator pump.
The macerator comes with its own hose. And by the way, our Wonder also has a gravity dump. You just remove the macerator - it basically twists off - and then connect the big 3-inch clinky hose, Nice to have as a backup should the pump fail.
Thank you for sharing. Is that type of macerator the same as when an RV has a “macerated toilet”? Or is the grinding device actually inside the toilet itself? Also would you ever need an extension to that macerated hose and if so how would you add it.
I have never needed an extension to the macerator hose. and have not seen one for sale. A macerator toilet - which we also have on our RV - is diferent. It is needed on our Wonder rear twin model because the toilet waste actually has to flush uphill to reach the black tank. Because of the extra space taken up by the huge "garage" storage on our unit, the toilet needs the macerator to pump uphill to get to the black tank. I'm not a big fan of macerator toilets. They take more water, it seems, than a regular toilet. But because we really wanted that extra garage storage, it was a trade-off for us.
I don’t understand can you please help. Can I not do this without a water hose? I’ll be boondocking so I don’t have a water hose laying around. Could I not just dump water/ whatever cleaning fluids down the toilet as it pumps into the sewer at the dump station?
With the Wonder RTB do you have both the macerator toilet as well as the macerator pump? Do you need both? What is the advantage of one over the other? Thanks.
A macerator toilet - which we also have on our RV - is needed on our Wonder rear twin model because the toilet waste actually has to flush uphill to reach the black tank. Because of the extra space taken up by the huge "garage" storage on our unit, the toilet needs the macerator to pump uphill to get to the black tank. I'm not a big fan of macerator toilets. They take more water, it seems, than a regular toilet. But because we really wanted that extra garage storage, it was a trade-off for us.
I've been full time for two years staying in each campground for no more than two weeks. My "stinky slinky" has seen a lot of different situations, but I've never had any of the issues you've mentioned. Was kind of embarrassed for you when watching, tbh. Just kind of got the impression you're talking from what you've heard rather than personal experience.
@@RVLifestyle I think he means the ability to clean the emptied black tank by using the water sprayer mechanism. This mechanism takes pressurized water and sprays the inside of the tank. I do this until I see the black tank output looks like clean water. (love it)
See my accompanying article on the RV Lifestyle Travel Blog for details and more info about macerators and emptying the RV waste tanks at rvlifestyle.com/rv-macerator-pump/
i realize I'm kind of randomly asking but do anybody know of a good website to stream newly released tv shows online ?
@Sutton Santino Try FlixZone. Just search on google for it :)
@Kelvin Tate yup, been using flixzone for since april myself =)
@Kelvin Tate Thank you, signed up and it seems like a nice service :D I really appreciate it !!
@Sutton Santino you are welcome xD
This video is a Godsend to all of us who are new to the RV Lifestyle. We are having fun in our LTV 2022 Unity RTB. Thanks Mike and Jen…and Bo❤.
Great video. One minor suggestion: I always start with dumping a small amount of gray water first to ensure that there are no catastrophic leaks. That way if you do have a leak and you get sprayed, better gray than black. If all is good, then I close the gray, dump the black and finish with the gray.
read the accompanying post.... I cover this
Absolutely agree. The grey tank contains detergents from dish washing, clothes washing, hand washing, body washing and a little bit of this run down the line first will lubricate the hose interior for the black tank dump.
And, if equipped, don't forget to use your back flush system which connects to the park water outlet to spray clean water into the black tank toward the end of its dump cycle. You will know the black tank is empty when the clean discharge from the back flush is all that is seen.
The final step should be handled by the grey tank dumping.
We always prime each tank with a scoop of "Happy Camper" tank treatment in a gallon of water poured into both the toilet and the sink after completion. If you have a bath-and-a-half floor plan you likely have two black tanks, so don't forget to dump each separately if required, and to prime each when done. In my motorhome I have two grey tanks, one for sinks and shower, and one dedicated to the clothes washer. Again, dump accordingly.
And always do this job with your mouth closed, just to be safe.
Thank you and your wife for your patience and love for educating us on the joy,maintenance and care of RV living.
as a newbie waiting for my LTV Unity, I really appreciate this video, and yes I subscribed
I made one decades ago to empty my rv black tank at my home where the sewer port was distant and uphill. I used the cheapest garbage disposal and some “MacGyver’d” techniques! It worked beautifully!
Better you than me, Brian :-). I do note there are portable ones you can buy that will even empty the tanks through a garden hose.
@@RVLifestyle that’s exactly what the one I constructed did. I actually liked using it!
Another option to the stinky slinky is the Sewer Solution which we have been using for over two years. It uses a 1 inch hose for the drain line, then you attach a separate grey water garden hose which shoots out a 1/8 in high pressure stream to act as a macerator for solids and will actually push up hill 3 feet of elevation. While draining if you do get a plug, just redirect the stream back toward the black tank, and then back down the drain hose. And no parks require the drain hose to be supported off the ground, and the last water pushed through is basically drinking water. Be sure to get one with a 25 ft hose. Thanks for another good video!
Yay! We’ve had questions about all the steps- not many actually- to use a macerator. Thank you for the helpful video!
Really helpful video, I like how clear and thorough you are. Total newbie here, I’m wondering, if you’re going to flush clean water through the blank tank, after emptying it, why not just use the grey water to flush it, then a final clean water flush? Meaning, empty the blank tank, then run the grey water through the macerator, then a final fresh water only at the end?
I recommend a macerator system modification... My macerator is plumbed on the RV's waste gate valves. Nex, I plumbed two PVC ball valves on the macerator's output. One valve directs the pulverized waste into the black tank upstream of the toilet's downpipe and the other to a 3/4" garden hose which connects to a septic system/sewer, etc. The black tank connection was made using a Uniseal on the bottom of the tank, and a 3/4" PVC pipe with a slit in its side and a plug to direct the flow toward the toilet's down pipe.
While boondocking the recirculation will dislodge poo-pyramids without wasting fresh water.
After emptying the black tank, I also use a few gallons from the gray tank to flush the black tank as well as leaving a few gallons of gray water in the black tank to prevent poo-pyramids from sticking.
Great information. Your videos are always so helpful. Thank you!
Thank you so much for the video it really helps me out understand how everything works . I do a lot of research on RVs and I’m looking forward to getting one.
Watched this video just now - a year later. 😏 We just bought a new motorhome & have a macerator for the first time. Even though we got a demonstration from the dealer when we picked up the motorhome, it was good to see an expert using the system.
And Mike your right...........it's a great system, been using it with my 07 Monaco since new. I did have to replace the impeller in 09 but that wear was from someone who did not know how to use the system. In addition I flood the black tank before I empty to ensure a thinner substance. Then grey it out and flood again! It's worked flawless ever since. ThomyT
Thank you so much for this video. I can't wait till I buy my own Leisure Van
We live in an rv full time and we love it. We love your channel. When you come to NC. Let up know
Excellent tip, thank you
Interesting! I thought based on what you have said on your Sunday live chats that the macerator was in the toilet and worked when you flushed. BTW, waited until after eating to watch! LOL.
The Twin Bed models DO have a macerator toilet. This is because the black tank is not directly under the toilet. In addition to the toilet macerator, Mike also has the macerator that he showed in this video.
I thought the same thing, Marilyn.
Great informative video
Great video Mike!
Great video with step-by-step process. Question on flushing the black tank when you have a macerator hose. What is the process? Do you leave the black tank valve open and run the macerator while you are flushing the tank? Or do you add water with the black tank valve closed, waiting a couple minutes, then open the valve and turn on the macerator? Your insight is greatly appreciated.
I drain the black tank first, leave the valve open then open the gray tank until it levels equally into the black tank. Then close the grey and pump the black empty, then do it again until the gray tank is empty. I leave a bit of grey water in the black tank to slosh around while driving to clean it with the soapy water. Keeps the smell down in the black tank.
I am placing a braided sleeve over the flex-hose, so the rocks from the dual wheels don't make holes in the section of hose that's underneath the service center area. People have said when they turn on their Macerator, there are little pin-hole leaks from the rocks hitting the hose. The Braided Sleeve is cheap on Amazon.
What size braided sleeve do you purchase?
i also think that it’s worth mentioning that to fill your tank is good as long as it’s filled w water) non potable ) to dilute the solids
There are times I want to keep the gray water tank valve open. Will the tank drain when the macerated rain pump is off?
Maybe I am over cautious but I try not to let the pump run dry. In a noisy environment it can be difficult to hear the sound of the macerator change when it is starting to pump ‘dry’ nearing the end of the cycle. If it is possible I take a look at the hose output to see what is happening near the end of the cycle.
Love your Videos. Very informative.
Just bought a 2018 FX so excited it has this and most the options available! How often do you flush your tank? Also heard the cup of dish detergent helps too.:)
Is that a Wonder or Unity van, by any chance. Currently looking at those and looking for real-life reviews. Thanks for posting this!
i like your channel and subscribe.
i didn’t particularly see u making the connection/ opening the gate valve in this video
Awsome video!!! Thanks
Nice video, thanks for posting, definitely going to get a macerator.
Do you happen to have a link to that specific hose you use? I think the cap at the end would be more sanitary than the inline ball valve before the 3"/4" connecting fitting
Very helpful!
Do you have a video on the macerator Toilet?
What I got from this video was you must have the macerator itself installed in you RV. We don’t have that now.
There are some macerators which will couple directly to your RV dump outlet, probably more than these factory-installed pumps. I'm thinkin' of gettin' me one. Tons of YT videos on 'em. They're reasonably priced, too!
Loved the video...just puzzled why you didn't rinse off the end piece that goes into the sewer hole before storing it back in the rig, I would be worried that there would be some latent crud from the connection site. I now look forward to Sunday evenings and the chat time.
Nope...nothing
Great video on the use of the macerater. The Unity also has a black tank flush. Do you use this? If so do you use it simultaneously when you’re emptying the black tank? Thanks
Thank you so much for this video. I have one question though, do you keep the hose connected to the dump valve inside your storage area?
The hose is always connected to the macerator
I love the macerator on our 2016 Zion. QUESTION for you MIKE: I have found that when I screw the end of the hose into the dump tank, or even just hold in down tightly with a foot or a rock, and turn on the pump, the black water does not flow into the tank as quickly as I would need it to. In fact, last week, some liquid leaked out at the uphill end of the hose. If I back the connector out a tad, the waste flows much faster.
Imagine if you put a funnel into a bottle and there is a good seal. Then pour liquid into the funnel, the liquid pours into the bottle only as fast as the opening will allow. Air needs to escape the bottle to be replaced by the liquid. Lift the funnel off the neck opening of the bottle and the liquid rushes in. I think the dump tanks are the same.
Thoughts?
Thanks for the video! Why do you need to use the macerator for the gray water? I would have thought there would be no solids (unless you are trying to pump uphill). Many thanks.
Becuse you need to still pump the gray out... it would take forever for it to drain through the little hose
Hi Mike - we just took delivery of a 2023 Wonder FTB, are are "testing" all the functions before taking our first trip. We used clean water to test the grey and black tanks, and when I used the macerator to empty the tanks, I experienced a leak around the connection from the hose to the end sewer connection. If I look closely at the video, do you have that connection further sealed by black electrical tape and is the bulge there actually a small hose clamp installed as well?
What do you do with the black water fill valve? Do you add water so that you can flush the system or is that just for adding a few gallons to the tank after flushing?
How do you fill up your black tank before dumping? (Where’s the water source coming from?)
Do you need to have running water to operate this pump?
What happens if the moter stops working? Can you use the stinky slinky in the old fashion what to dump?
does the macerator also pump the waste out?
Does the 1.5” Macerator hose come with the a RV that has a macerator, or do they have just a “stinky slinky”? I am getting a new Leisure Van next year. Great video. It answered many questions I had about the macerator pump.
The macerator comes with its own hose. And by the way, our Wonder also has a gravity dump. You just remove the macerator - it basically twists off - and then connect the big 3-inch clinky hose, Nice to have as a backup should the pump fail.
@@RVLifestyle one video I saw had a clean water hose connector that they said was for cleaning out the black tank, and the hose.
Thank you for sharing. Is that type of macerator the same as when an RV has a “macerated toilet”? Or is the grinding device actually inside the toilet itself? Also would you ever need an extension to that macerated hose and if so how would you add it.
I have never needed an extension to the macerator hose. and have not seen one for sale. A macerator toilet - which we also have on our RV - is diferent. It is needed on our Wonder rear twin model because the toilet waste actually has to flush uphill to reach the black tank. Because of the extra space taken up by the huge "garage" storage on our unit, the toilet needs the macerator to pump uphill to get to the black tank. I'm not a big fan of macerator toilets. They take more water, it seems, than a regular toilet. But because we really wanted that extra garage storage, it was a trade-off for us.
Can you tell me where you got ur hose for the macerator
Thank you for not wasting time joking it's poop you get a like and sub
And a bell 😊
I don’t understand can you please help.
Can I not do this without a water hose? I’ll be boondocking so I don’t have a water hose laying around. Could I not just dump water/ whatever cleaning fluids down the toilet as it pumps into the sewer at the dump station?
Where can i buy this?
Anyone who’s ever worked at a big company knows that s**t always flows downhill.
What is the brand of your RV?
What make and model is your RV?
With the Wonder RTB do you have both the macerator toilet as well as the macerator pump? Do you need both? What is the advantage of one over the other? Thanks.
A macerator toilet - which we also have on our RV - is needed on our Wonder rear twin model because the toilet waste actually has to flush uphill to reach the black tank. Because of the extra space taken up by the huge "garage" storage on our unit, the toilet needs the macerator to pump uphill to get to the black tank. I'm not a big fan of macerator toilets. They take more water, it seems, than a regular toilet. But because we really wanted that extra garage storage, it was a trade-off for us.
Poo poo 💩 blender to make chocolate smoothie s lol 😂
It's a poo blender lol
Eating beans and chemical use does the same thing. : - )
I've been full time for two years staying in each campground for no more than two weeks. My "stinky slinky" has seen a lot of different situations, but I've never had any of the issues you've mentioned. Was kind of embarrassed for you when watching, tbh. Just kind of got the impression you're talking from what you've heard rather than personal experience.
To each their own Jeremy. Thanks for weighing in
Do you still have to flush your black tank out after emptying?
Huh? After emptying the black tank there is nothing to flush. It’s empty
@@RVLifestyle I think he means the ability to clean the emptied black tank by using the water sprayer mechanism. This mechanism takes pressurized water and sprays the inside of the tank. I do this until I see the black tank output looks like clean water. (love it)